Calcitonin-responsive adenylate cyclase in cultured F9 embryonal carcinoma cells

Hormonal responsiveness of the adenylate cyclase system of cultured F9 teratocarcinoma cells was investigated. Of numerous hormones tested only calcitonin, (−)isoproterenol, and prostaglandin E₁, stimulate F9 adenylate cyclase activity. Of the active hormones, calcitonin is the most potent stimulator of cAMP formation. Treatment of intact F9 cells with calcitonin results in a time- and hormone concentration-dependent increase in the intracellular concentration of cAMP. cAMP accumulation is enhanced within 5 min after addition of 60 nM synthetic salmon calcitonin to intact F9 cells. These results raise the possibility that calcitonin may play a regulatory role in early embryonic development.